Our Destinations

Our family tours

Blue Dot Travel offers a range of fully-guided, family-friendly, 2-week trips to exciting destinations off the beaten path. We help families explore more unusual places, rich in culture and adventure. You’ll stay good-quality accommodation, enjoy great food and see glorious scenery. Plus, interaction with the locals will ensure special family memories are made. Blue Dot knows how to travel with children.! We know where to look for engaging activities that go beyond the predictable; we know to incorporate freedom of choice, numerous activities and great food options. With our less familiar destinations, the hard stuff is done for you. Hotels, main meals, accommodation and sightseeing is all taken care of. It all adds up to excellent value for money!

Sri Lanka Family Safari Tour

There are many reasons to visit Sri Lanka - there is so much to see and do. Even though it is relatively small (about the size of Tasmania), each region is quite different. The indigenous and colonial history is fascinating, the food is fabulous, scenery spectacular and climate wonderfully tropical. Hotels are resort style and of a very good quality. Plus, the abundance of wildlife - one of the drawcards for travellers - will take you by surprise. This is a family holiday experience like no other. A fully-guided, 2 week trip, discovering the island's best.

FEATURED TOUR FOR 2018 - The Stans, Central Asia, April 2018

Central Asia or "The Stans" is a vast landlocked region of Asia, increasing in popularity amongst travellers who want to experience one of the world's last great frontier lands. In Stalin’s time, the area was known as Turkestan. Soon after Independence, the five former Soviet Central Asian Republics, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, were defined as Central Asia. This is the common modern definition. Our tour covers the first four. The history of Central Asia is defined as much by the area's climate, as by its geography. Since the area is not buffered by a large body of water, temperature fluctuations are more severe. The aridness of the region made agriculture difficult and its distance from the sea also restricted the growth of industry. Thus, few large cities developed in the region, instead the area was for many centuries dominated by the nomadic horse people of the Steppe. Steppe horse riders became some of the most militarily potent people in the world.

The Balkan Countries, September 2017

Places available.

The Balkans derives its name from the Turkish word meaning ‘a chain of wooded mountains’. This is where farming first reached Europe in the Neolithic era. It is easier to think of the Balkan States as ‘Southeastern Europe’. To the west is the Adriatic Sea, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Black Sea to the east. Wholly or partially on the peninsula, you will find nearly one dozen fascinating and beautiful countries including Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Slovenia. Their polyglot nature has been forged in turn by the Greeks, Romans and Slavs, and even formed part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. A genuine cultural crossroads, the Balkan region was where Orthodoxy met Christianity, and Christianity met Islam. While many of these names have been synonymous with political turmoil in modern history (Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914, sparking the First World War), the current reality is a collection of countries and cultures now relishing in their own identities, and enjoying a resurgence of interaction with the outside world.

Madagascar Family Safari Tour

Madagascar, 400 km off the east coast of Africa, is the world’s fourth largest island. The most astonishing thing about the island is not its size but its flora and fauna, much of which is found nowhere else in the world. The island is most famous for its lemurs of which there are around 100 species. Of course, like many destinations, you could spend weeks and weeks exploring Madagascar but this itinerary is a wonderful snap shot of the best with the family in mind. This is not your average Bali or Fiji family trip. This is a real adventure that really is something quite different.

Botswana, Namibia, Cape Town and The Falls, September 2017

Tour full. May 2018 spaces available.

Botswana has a wonderfully diverse culture, with many different tribal influences coexisting with Europeans. The tribal groups within Botswana (Tswana, Kalanga, Basarwa and Kgalagadi) have different languages, traditional dances and clothing, and live a vastly different lifestyle to city-dwellers. Home to large populations of wildlife, rugged national parks, wetlands alive with birds and one of the world’s largest deltas, Botswana’s bounty of natural treasures is remarkable. With winter sunshine, a temperate climate and golden sunsets, it’s no wonder most locals have beaming smiles - they’re surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s greatest triumphs.Namibia showcases the very best of Africa's raw landscapes. From quaint German- inspired towns to uninhabitable deserts, bushland filled with wildlife and a rocky coastline littered with shipwrecks, Namibia's untamed charm is compelling, captivating and camera-worthy.

Malta, Sardinia and Corsica, October 2017

Places available.

Three Mediterranean islands – all very different. Sardinia part of Italy, Corsica, governed by France and Malta, an independent nation which was once a British colony. The Island of Corsica is one of France’s 27 regions. It lies directly north of Sardinia and can be easily reached by ferry. Its capital Ajaccio is the birth place of Napoleon Bonaparte and his ancestral home is today used as a museum. Like other Mediterranean islands, Corsica was visited, conquered and highly influenced by many people of the ancient world. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Phoenicians, Genovese and Northern Africans all left their mark. France invaded and occupied in the mid 1700’s. Today it relies heavily on agriculture and tourism. It is far less developed than many islands in the Mediterranean. People come for the weather, the food and the glorious scenery.

Malta, Sardinia and Corsica, September 2017

September 2017 tour full. October 2017 spaces available.

Three Mediterranean islands – all very different. Sardinia part of Italy, Corsica, governed by France and Malta, an independent nation which was once a British colony. The Island of Corsica is one of France’s 27 regions. It lies directly north of Sardinia and can be easily reached by ferry. Its capital Ajaccio is the birth place of Napoleon Bonaparte and his ancestral home is today used as a museum. Like other Mediterranean islands, Corsica was visited, conquered and highly influenced by many people of the ancient world. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Phoenicians, Genovese and Northern Africans all left their mark. France invaded and occupied in the mid 1700’s. Today it relies heavily on agriculture and tourism. It is far less developed than many islands in the Mediterranean. People come for the weather, the food and the glorious scenery.

Nagaland and North East India, November 2017

Tour full.

Nagaland is one of the least explored regions of India. It’s rustic and raw, English is barely spoken and the accommodation can at times be basic, but if experiencing unique culture first hand is your thing, few places left on the planet match this region of India. In fact, nowhere in the world will you experience anything like this. At the Hornbill Festival in India’s remote North East, sixteen local tribes converge to showcase their culture and traditions. The colours, the sounds, the music and dance, the region’s natural beauty and the food will blow your mind. On this tour you will see much of the surrounding countryside, villages, towns and cities. You will interact with people who have had limited contact with Europeans and look more Asian than what we consider typical Indian. We will taste their food, enjoy their music, see their amazing wares and come away with an experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life.

Southern Africa Family Tour

Ever dreamt of taking the family on an African safari? Chances are the answer is clear "Yes"! Blue Dot Travel has developed a comprehensive itinerary taking in the best these destinations have to offer, timed to coincide with our local Australian April and September school holidays. It's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with incredible wildlife, local culture, amazing scenery and diverse activities. Visit Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls, the famous Chobe National Park in Botswana (where you'll stay in both luxury camps and a safari lodge, plus a stay in Cape Town which is without doubt, South Africa's most beautiful and exciting city.

Southern India Family Tour

India offers a stunning variety of experiences in its expanse of about 3.3 million square kilometres. Southern India in particular has something for all the family - peaceful backwaters and spice plantations, incredible wildlife in expansive parks, ancient temples, colourful bazaars, and stunning scenery. As with all our family tours, good quality hotels await at the end of each day in excellent locations with great service and delicious food. As always, several "must-do" excursions are offered, leaving it to you to do as much or as little as you choose.

Japan Family Tour

Japan is a land of contrasts where the ancient blends with the modern ... where urban blends with nature. The population of 126 million is the world’s 10th largest with just over 9 million people living in Tokyo, the sixth largest city in the OECD. Less well known is that forests cover two-thirds of Japan’s land with its tempting rural scenery of wandering coastlines and bays, towering mountains, twisting valleys and glorious lakes. Our itinerary will make sure you and your family will venture into some of the best sights this fascinating country has to offer.

Southern India, February 2018

Southern India is dramatically different to the North. It has wide open spaces, is generally very green and very fertile. There is much variation of history, landscapes and people. On this tour, you’ll learn about the region’s ancient, medieval and more recent colonial history. You will visit small villages, larger townships and even larger cities and observe the locals go about their day. In the villages you’ll be greeted with wonderful smiles from children and adults alike. You’ll also see a plethora of wildlife in world class national parks. If you appreciate your food, the dishes from this part of the world are outstanding. You’ll have the opportunity to try the different cuisines from the many regions that Southern India offers.

Uganda and Rwanda, March 2018

Uganda is a land locked African nation about the size of Victoria. It is predominantly a Christian based country with 80% of the 30 million people being of Christian faith. With stunning scenery, much of the country is on a plateau which ascends to over 5,100 metres on Mount Stanley in the south - the 3rd highest peak in Africa. The landscape is a combination of jungle, grasslands and land that has been cleared for farming. Uganda shares Lake Victoria - the largest tropical lake in the world - as its eastern border with Kenya and Tanzania. Rwanda is also a stunningly beautiful land locked country. It borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Congo. At less than 25,000km (less than half the size of Tasmania), it is one of the smallest nations on the African continent. It is often referred to as “the land of a thousand hills”, with a diverse terrain ranging from active volcanoes and high altitude forest to grasslands and swamplands.

The Stans, Central Asia, April 2018

Central Asia or "The Stans" is a vast landlocked region of Asia, increasing in popularity amongst travellers who want to experience one of the world's last great frontier lands. In Stalin’s time, the area was known as Turkestan. Soon after Independence, the five former Soviet Central Asian Republics, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, were defined as Central Asia. This is the common modern definition. Our tour covers the first four. The history of Central Asia is defined as much by the area's climate, as by its geography. Since the area is not buffered by a large body of water, temperature fluctuations are more severe. The aridness of the region made agriculture difficult and its distance from the sea also restricted the growth of industry. Thus, few large cities developed in the region, instead the area was for many centuries dominated by the nomadic horse people of the Steppe. Steppe horse riders became some of the most militarily potent people in the world.

Botswana, Namibia, Cape Town & The Falls, May 2018

Botswana has a wonderfully diverse culture, with many different tribal influences coexisting with Europeans. The tribal groups within Botswana (Tswana, Kalanga, Basarwa and Kgalagadi) have different languages, traditional dances and clothing, and live a vastly different lifestyle to city-dwellers. Home to large populations of wildlife, rugged national parks, wetlands alive with birds and one of the world’s largest deltas, Botswana’s bounty of natural treasures is remarkable. With winter sunshine, a temperate climate and golden sunsets, it’s no wonder most locals have beaming smiles - they’re surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s greatest triumphs.Namibia showcases the very best of Africa's raw landscapes. From quaint German- inspired towns to uninhabitable deserts, bushland filled with wildlife and a rocky coastline littered with shipwrecks, Namibia's untamed charm is compelling, captivating and camera-worthy.

The Caucasus, June 2018

These three countries should be high on your list of “must-see” destinations. Snow-capped mountains dominate the region and make for beautiful views with hill top villages and green valleys. Georgia has an ancient culture and a unique alphabet found nowhere else in the world. Over the centuries all her neighbours have coveted over her land. Turks, Persians, Mongols, Araba and more recently, the Russians have invaded. Ethnic conflicts and periodical civil war has also left its mark. But nowadays, it is a peaceful country. It’s population is around 5 million of which the majority are Georgians, working in agriculture of some kind. The capital, Tbilisi will surprise you with its modern, very European café style society. Yet, leave the city and you may feel like you are travelling in medieval times. Georgia is developing an excellent reputation for quality wines. In fact if you travel around the Western Asian region and order wine, it will most likely come from one of Georgia’s largest wine producing regions. Tourists (not that there are that many) visit mainly for the scenic beauty of the higher Caucasus Mountain range, the highest point of which is over 5,000 metres. The Republic of Armenia, a landlocked country in the Lower Caucasus, is a very small country at less than half the size if our own Tasmania and with a population of less than 3 million. Like Georgia, it is a Christian country with an ancient history. Armenia has the distinction of having the oldest Christian cathedral in the world! Once a part of the Soviet Union, independence was reclaimed in 1991. It is a very “indigenous” country with 98% of the population being and speaking Armenian.

The Caucasus, May 2018

Tour full. June 2018 spaces available.

These three countries should be high on your list of “must-see” destinations. Snow-capped mountains dominate the region and make for beautiful views with hill top villages and green valleys. Georgia has an ancient culture and a unique alphabet found nowhere else in the world. Over the centuries all her neighbours have coveted over her land. Turks, Persians, Mongols, Araba and more recently, the Russians have invaded. Ethnic conflicts and periodical civil war has also left its mark. But nowadays, it is a peaceful country. It’s population is around 5 million of which the majority are Georgians, working in agriculture of some kind. The capital, Tbilisi will surprise you with its modern, very European café style society. Yet, leave the city and you may feel like you are travelling in medieval times. Georgia is developing an excellent reputation for quality wines. In fact if you travel around the Western Asian region and order wine, it will most likely come from one of Georgia’s largest wine producing regions. Tourists (not that there are that many) visit mainly for the scenic beauty of the higher Caucasus Mountain range, the highest point of which is over 5,000 metres. The Republic of Armenia, a landlocked country in the Lower Caucasus, is a very small country at less than half the size if our own Tasmania and with a population of less than 3 million. Like Georgia, it is a Christian country with an ancient history. Armenia has the distinction of having the oldest Christian cathedral in the world! Once a part of the Soviet Union, independence was reclaimed in 1991. It is a very “indigenous” country with 98% of the population being and speaking Armenian.

Iceland and Svalbard, June 2018

Tour full. Waitlist registration available.

Whatever your perceptions of Iceland may be, they are possibly off the mark - or at least dated - as this small North Sea nation keeps on reinventing itself. From humble Nordic origins it has become one of Europe’s leading eco-paradises, boasting the largest national park in the European Union - Vatnajökull. Here you’ll discover pristine streams full of salmon, trails through glaciers, five-gaited Icelandic horses running wild, and bubbling pools of mud and sulphur to heal the body and mind. Many things remain exactly as the Vikings found them around 1,100 years ago, especially the raw and dramatic glacial fjords. The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, which was formally known as Spitsbergen, lies in the Arctic Ocean roughly half way between Norway and The North Pole. It comprises of three main islands and numerous smaller ones. One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, it's known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. Summer brings the “midnight sun” – sunlight 24 hours a day. Grab an atlas and you will see that its latitude is the same as the tip of Greenland’s north. It’s a long way from anywhere and has a small population of less than 3,000 over the same land mass as Tasmania. From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. You’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land.

Panama and Colombia, May 2018

The Spanish claimed Panama in 1502 and it was not until 1821 that it became an independent nation. Today, the culture represents a rich mix of Amerindian, Spanish and African influence. Due to the canal and its business opportunities, Panama also has an extensive international community that makes the Canal Zone, one of the most cosmopolitan areas in Latin America. The canal contributes 80% of the country’s GDP. Colombia is an amazing land of contrasts and after being off the “wish list” for many travellers for some years, it is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of South America. With its rich cultural history, amazing architecture, geographical diversity and the simple warmth and hospitality of its people, it’s easy to see why this fascinating country is becoming an increasingly popular spot for overseas visitors. Located in the North West of the continent sharing borders with Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, Colombia is the 4th largest country in South America and has a population of 40 million.

Cuba, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras, June 2018

Three countries with varied cultures that will leave you raving on… and on and on and on. Cuba is actually an archipelago of islands in the Caribbean. The island of Cuba itself is by far the largest, at approximately 110,000 square kilometres. It’s also the most populated with around 11 million inhabitants - over 2 million living in the capital, Havana. The first humans arrived in Cuba around 5,000 years ago from South America. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed and claimed the islands for Spain. The clichés of Cuba are a must see. Locals dancing the salsa, the mambo and the rumba. The men sit leisurely, smoking their fat cigars and drinking rum, amongst the painted reminders of revolutionary figure, Che Guevara. Of course, the quintessential picture of Cuba is the 1950’s Buicks and Chevys.

Mongolia in Depth with Naadam Festival, July 2018

Mongolia is a land of extremes. On the road it can take hours of driving before you pass a tiny ger community, a Mongolian on horseback or even another vehicle. Yet in between you are blessed with the stunning views of a country so untouched that you know you’ve reached the true heart. From the stark Gobi to the incredible rock formations and magnificence of Khogoryn Els (Mongolia’s largest sand dunes) it's a land that is harsh and yet serene, with a people who are warm and welcoming.

Trans Mongolia Adventure with Naadam Festival, July 2018

Tour full. Waitlist registration available.

A trip through the Land of the Sapphire Blue Sky is something very unique. If you’re looking for a five star type, cushy, comfortable holiday, then Mongolia is probably not for you. If you want to get off the beaten track then Mongolia is unmatched in its wild beauty and rawness. In three weeks you will get a wonderful taste of what this country has to offer. What you will experience, smell, hear, taste and see, will engage all of your senses. With a population of only 3 million, roughly half of the country’s population is packed into one city, the capital Ulaan Baatar. Outside of that, Mongolia’s largest “cities” only number in the tens of thousands, with a significant portion of those still living the traditional lifestyle as nomadic sheepherders.

Madagascar, August 2018

Madagascar 400km off the East Coast of Africa, is the world’s fourth largest island, a fragment of Gondwanaland left behind when the ancient landmass split to form the continents of Africa, India and Australia. It stretches 1,600km from north to south and is 650km across at its widest point. The most astonishing thing about the island is its unique flora and fauna, which are found nowhere else in the world. The island has been referred to as "nature's design laboratory”, because of the creatures and vegetation which have evolved here separated from the rest of the world. The most notable of Madagascar's animals are the Lemurs of which nearly 30 kinds are described. We will visit a number of their known habitats, and with a little luck, we'll see many of these pro-simian primates. There are over 250 species of birds, of which 106 are native. For lovers of reptiles, most of the world’s chameleons are found here.

The Baltic Countries and Poland, September 2018

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania boast some of the best preserved medieval Old Towns anywhere ... from the Hanseatic Tallinn to the Jugendstil Riga to the baroque Vilnius. Pixie hat-like red roofs top most houses. Massive soaring spires of castles and cathedrals, and the domed cupolas of churches dominate the city skylines. Yet for all the similarities, up- close each country is distinctly different in culture, mood, style, and architecture; steeped in history, yet thoroughly progressive. Estonia’s settlement dates back to 9000 BC and the successive Viking, Swede, Russian, and German occupation has resulted in a truly cosmopolitan nation. In Tallinn, luxury European cars pull over to make way for horse drawn carts. Cyber cafes neighbour medieval churches. Stall keepers in old-fashioned regalia queue up at ATM machines. Skype was invented here and Estonians have one of the highest rates of e-banking in the world. Throughout the streets, musicians play flutes or accordians, with tunes like Somewhere My Love from Dr Zhivago adding a wistful touch. Estonians need no encouragement to sing, and 20,000-strong choirs are sometimes massed for their music festivals. Museums and art galleries aplenty talk of their cultural pursuits, while outdoors they love sailing and nature.

Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania, September 2018

Bulgaria is a great mix of cultural influences and traditions. Greeks, Roman and Turkish existence is clearly evident. It is a relatively small country with a population of just 7 million. For a small country however, Bulgaria packs a lot of interest for the traveller. In fact, it boats 9 UNESCO listed World Heritage sites! Caught up in both WWI and WW2 and formerly part of the Eastern Block States, Bulgaria is relatively fast growing in comparison with some of its neighbours. Having joined the European Union in 2007, the country has a considerable heavy industry and its agricultural products are exported all over Europe and beyond. You’ll love her capital Sofia, a mix of old and cool. For a small country, Romania has a large population – around the same as our own at 23 million. It is surrounded by Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine and Moldova with a small stretch of the Black Sea preventing her from being land locked. Much of its landscape is picturesque with the Carpathian Mountains occupying the centre of the country. There is a lot to see ad do in this mainly Christian Orthodox country. The region of Transylvania is well known for its castles, churches and beautiful forested mountains.

Malta, Sardinia and Corsica, September 2018

Three Mediterranean Islands – all very different. Sardinia part of Italy, Corsica, governed by France and Malta, an independent nation which was once a British colony. If year-round sunshine and 7,000 years worth of living history is your thing, the ex-British colony of Malta should be on your travel bucket list. This independent nation comprises three small Islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino which is uninhabited. It is a traveller’s dream because you can take in everything within a small radius, sampling the architecture (both grand and quaint), a stunning fortified har- bour, the rocky landscape, traditional hilltop towns, fishing villages, and an upbeat lively capital city, all against the languid backdrop of the magnificent Mediterranean. Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, presenting a rather rugged mountain scape, balanced by placid bays. In rural parts, stone-walled Neolithic fortresses call Nuraghes can still be seen in the fields. Sardinian towns and cities, especially those along the coast, have a rich tradition of shellfish and seafood while inland towns and cities are known for game and farm produce, most notably its capers, olives and Pecorino sardo.

Israel and Jordan, November 2018

While Israel is only 70 years old, the region’s history is many thousands of years old. Archaeologists have identified and dated agricultural communities existing more than 5,000 years ago. Jews have been living here since the period of Abraham around 2,000BC. The capital, Jerusalem, has been a spiritual home for Jews, Christians and Muslims over the centuries. In the early days of Islam, the Prophet Muhammed commanded Muslims to face in the direction of Jerusalem for their daily prayers. Over the centuries, all three religions have battled to hold the spiritually important Holy Land. The Hashemite Kingdome of Jordan is a small, landlocked nation with the exception of a tiny section of The Red Sea. It is mainly desert with around half of the country’s population living in the capital, Amman. Most of the population are of Bedouin origin. Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken.

Nagaland and North East India, November 2018

Nagaland is one of the least explored regions of India. It’s rustic and raw, English is barely spoken and the accommodation can at times be basic, but if experiencing unique culture first hand is your thing, few places left on the planet match this region of India. In fact, nowhere in the world will you experience anything like this. At the Hornbill Festival in India’s remote North East, sixteen local tribes converge to showcase their culture and traditions. The colours, the sounds, the music and dance, the region’s natural beauty and the food will blow your mind. On this tour you will see much of the surrounding countryside, villages, towns and cities. You will interact with people who have had limited contact with Europeans and look more Asian than what we consider typical Indian. We will taste their food, enjoy their music, see their amazing wares and come away with an experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life.